π CHICKEN DIARRHEA: A Visual Diagnostic Guide & Prevention Manual
Understanding the color of poultry diarrhea can save your flock.
Diarrhea is one of the most common and dangerous signs of disease in chickens. The color and consistency tell you exactly what's wrong. Use this guide to diagnose early and act fast.
π‘ YELLOW DIARRHEA β Common in Chicks
Likely Causes:
β’ Coccidiosis (3β6 week-old chicks)
β’ Bacterial infections (E. coli, Salmonella)
β’ Liver issues
β’ Poor-quality feed
β’ Stress
Prevention:
β Coccidiostats in feed/water
β Dry, clean bedding
β Avoid overcrowding
β Clean water daily
β Vaccinate against coccidiosis
β High-quality feed
Treatment:
β’ Amprolium / Sulfadimethoxine
β’ Electrolytes
β’ Vitamin K if blood present
β’ Isolate sick birds.
π’ GREEN DIARRHEA β WARNING: Can Be Viral
Likely Causes:
β’ Newcastle Disease
β’ Fowl Cholera
β’ Advanced bacterial infection
β’ Severe coccidiosis
β’ Liver dysfunction
Prevention:
β Newcastle vaccination (Day 1 β Week 4 β Week 8)
β Strong biosecurity
β Quarantine new birds 14 days
β Limit wild birds
β Regular coop disinfection
Treatment:
β οΈ No cure for Newcastle Disease.
β’ Supportive care only
β’ Antibiotics for secondary infections
β’ Electrolytes, vitamins
β’ Cull severe cases
β’ Notify authorities (Newcastle is notifiable).
βͺ WHITE DIARRHEA β DEADLY IN CHICKS
Likely Causes:
β’ Pullorum Disease (Salmonella pullorum)
β’ Bacillary White Diarrhea
β’ Parasites
β’ Kidney disease
Prevention:
β Buy chicks from Pullorum-tested hatcheries
β Maintain brooder temperature 32β35Β°C
β Medicated starter feed
β Keep brooder dry
β Deworm every 3β4 months
Treatment:
β’ Furazolidone / Sulfamethazine
β’ Probiotics
β’ Cull Pullorum-positive birds (lifelong carriers)
β’ Disinfect entire facility
π΄ RED/BLOODY DIARRHEA β EMERGENCY
Likely Causes:
β’ Acute coccidiosis
β’ Intestinal bleeding
β’ Severe bacterial infection
β’ Mycotoxin poisoning
Prevention:
β Dry litter (<25% moisture)
β Anticoccidial rotation program
β Clean, stored feed
β Test feed for toxins
Treatment:
π¨ Immediate action:
β’ Amprolium 20% in water
β’ Vitamin K to stop bleeding
β’ Electrolytes
β’ Isolate sick birds
β’ Vet consultation urgently
Delay = high mortality.
π§ WATERY/CLEAR DIARRHEA β Often Heat or Kidneys
Likely Causes:
β’ Infectious Bronchitis / Avian Influenza
β’ Kidney damage
β’ Heat stress
β’ Too much water
β’ Salt toxicity
Prevention:
β Vaccinate for Infectious Bronchitis
β Good ventilation
β Shade cool water
β Avoid water spillage
β Check feed salt levels (<0.5%)
Treatment:
β’ Reduce heat stress
β’ Provide electrolytes
β’ Supportive care
β’ Isolate birds
β’ Identify cause before medicating